The distribution, which has been allowed by Orange schools twice before, consists of both softcover and hardcover New International Version (NIV) Bibles left on designated tables by volunteers. The tables are placed in accessible locations where students can pick the Bibles up.

Tables have been set up at all 19 traditional high schools, said John Stemberger, president of the Florida Family Policy Council. His group helped arrange this year's distribution.

Last year an atheist group called the Central Florida Freethought Community objected to a smaller distribution effort, and demanded equal access. After Orange schools refused to allow the group to distribute some of their books and pamphlets, they sued.

That matter is still in litigation.

The Bible distribution, which coincides with Religious Freedom Day, is being conducted by the Florida Family Policy Council and World Changers of Florida. Bibles are also being given away today in Collier County. World Changers sued that district several years ago to gain open access to its schools, and Orange based their decision to allow Bible distributions in its schools on that case.

Stemberger said his group sees the distribution as a way to expose children to Christianity.

"The Bible has had an enormous influence on our history, language, legal principles, culture and form of government. Most importantly, this is a book that has the capacity to lead to a fundamental change in the condition of a student's heart," he said.

But Andrew Seidel, the attorney representing the Central Florida Freethought Community in their lawsuit, said seeing the Bible distribution proceed again "is extremely frustrating for us."

The Orange County School Board last year considered changing its policy on outside distributions of materials, but then did not.

Seidel, who works for the Freedom From Religion Foundation, argues that because of the sex and violence in the Bible, the school district can't restrict distribution of other materials for having similar contents.

Seidel called it "appalling" that the Bibles are being distributed on a day dedicated to religious freedom. "The best way to protect religious freedom is to keep church and state separate," he said. "To use schools to promote Christianity is betraying that legacy."

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